Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Showing off my Showoff Bag

_DSC2632

When Rae (of Made by Rae, of course) asked me to test out her upcoming Showoff Bag pattern, it couldn't have come at a better time.  My current purse is filled with goldfish cracker crumbs, a miscellany of treasures such as pinecones, rocks, and leaves that Phoebe has collected over the summer, and smells of old milk from waaaaay too many leaky sippy cups.

And who really has time to go through all of that and give it a good washing?  Not this momma!  So when my bag reaches that stage - it's time to sew a new one.

_DSC2637

I'm lucky enough to live in the same town as Rae and when she walked in with her lovely chevron version to our monthly crafter's meetup, I knew I had to make one for myself.

The pattern is super easy to follow, and anyone with a basic knowledge of sewing could put this baby together in about an hour or two.

Showoff Bag - Pattern by Made by Rae

It calls for a heavier home dec weight for the main print of the fabric, but this lightweight cotton print by Michael Miller (Ellie in Amber) was calling my name, so I backed it with a mid-weight interfacing which provided just enough stability to give this bag some shape.

_DSC2647

The top panels and straps are made out of a heavy upholstery-weight pillow sham that I got for $1.97 when Linens & Things was going out of business.  Score!  The only bummer is that the sham was shorter than the length the straps called for, so I ended up having to piece them, which kind of annoys me when I look at the photos.  I should have pieced them on the diagonal, but I get a bit lazy regarding things like that.

_DSC2651

The best part - nice and roomy - my number one quality in a purse.  Especially when everything you carry around is 95% for your toddler and 5% for you.

The other best part?  Rae has so kindly offered up a free copy of the Showoff Bag pattern to one lucky EmmmyLizzzy reader!  She'll be releasing it later this week and you can be one of the first to get it!  Just leave a comment, any comment, and I'll choose a winner on Friday.

*Comments are now closed!  Thanks for playing everyone.  Winner will be announced soon.*

160 comments:

  1. What a cute bag! I love Rae's patterns, and you've done this one justice, I love how happy and cheerful it is! Great use of the heavier and different textured pillow sham fabric for the top part and handles of the bag, I love the contrast!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would not have noticed the piecing in the handle if you hadn't mentioned it! I really like your fabric choices.. it looks pretty! And I would probably do the same thing you did with the interfacing; decor weight fabric often isn't in my taste, so using interfacing is brilliant.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I LOVE the prints you chose! Those are just my colors :) Super easy is my type of projects. I completely agree with the 95% toddler and 5% you and I certainly need an open bag in order to accommodate!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh I didn't notice the piecing until you said something. I was admiring the herringbone and wondering where you got it (clever lady!). I think that the fabric combo is great. It looks fun yet sophisticated.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great pattern & I really love the fabrics you've chosen.

    ReplyDelete
  6. How generous of you and Rae. I'd love to win this pattern--then I can give it to my niece and ask her (nicely) to make a bag for me!

    wordygirl at earthlink dot net

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like the style of the Showoff bag; so big and roomy. Love the colours you've made the bag in.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only person with a stash of bags, all of which would be perfectly serviceable if i just gave them a quick clean. The problem is by the time it's got into that state I've fallen in love with some other fabric so need to make another one!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love your fabric choices. I've wondered if it's "okay" to use two different weight fabrics in the same project like this -- so now I'm going to "allow" myself to do so.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am so loving this bag :) The shape and size are great, and totally my style! I wouldn't have noticed the pieced straps if you hadn't mentioned them either.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a cute bag! I love the prints you chose - they are adorable! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love your bag! And agree about making a new bag vs washing an old one. I have the perfect piece of fabric to show off, too.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your choices of fabric are awesome and I love the pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the bag, also glad to have found your blog! thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. i love your fabric choices! it looks like a great bag.

    knottygnome@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. The bag is great, gorgeous fabrics!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love the patterns you've used, it's such a fun print! x

    ReplyDelete
  18. I came from Rae's blog, and love the bag! I'm in desperate need of a new purse too and can't wait for the pattern to come out :-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like the fabric choices. Herringbone is one of my favorites. Enter me please! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  20. The bag and fabrics are just lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love the fabrics you chose! I saw the post on Rae's blog the other day, and I really love this bag! I have twins, so a huge purse is necessary lol

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow! I'd love to win this pattern! I've sewn with Rae's patterns before, and they're great!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've been eyeing this bag on Rae's website, and dreaming of combinations I can make.

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a cute bag I would love to make one!

    ReplyDelete
  25. It was love at first sight when I saw this bag. I can totally relate to purse contents being 95% for them and 5% for you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have never made a bag before, I would love to give this one a try for my first one. courtney.b (at) mac (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  27. So pretty:) I'm SO in love with this bag:)
    krystalschriner@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would love to have a new purse! Mine is also full of diapers and goldfish crackers. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is a great giveaway. Thanks! And the bag, I love the fabrics you chose. Ah and I didn´t notices the pieced straps until I red about it!
    Ana

    ReplyDelete
  30. oh this is so great :) I love the herringbone fabric. Is chevron the same as herringbone? Im not familiar with the english terms :)
    Emma :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love this bag! Can't wait for the pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love this bag, would loove to win the patten. Rae rocks.

    -Heathermdtx (at) gmail dot com.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love the herringbone! Too often I go straight to the solids as accent fabrics, but this adds some interest.

    lindsay(dot)ramon(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love this bag!! I'm planning on making a bunch of these this Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  35. love the shape of this, and the size looks perfect! great fabrics too. can't wait for the pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a nice pattern, how wonderful to be able to show off up to 4 lovely fabrics. Just in time for fall and all the colors that come along with the season!

    ReplyDelete
  37. The bag you made is beautiful. Thanks for giving a pattern away!

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is SUCH a cute bag ... I would love to have the pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  39. This is such a sweet bag! I love your fabric choices, and love the idea that it's very roomy. :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Great job. I like that you can use regular cotton and just add some interfacing. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I guess I could use a new bag too. Papers, wrappers and Ikea pencils galore. Thanks for the op. to win!

    ReplyDelete
  42. AMAZING BAG! Love it, can't wait for a pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love Rae'a patterns and love this bag!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love, love, LOVE this bag! I'd really like to win!!!!
    ynnejnna(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. We are our own worst critic. Your bag is awesome. I love the fabric choices (and that you didn't limit yourself bc it wasn't the "right" weight.).

    ReplyDelete
  46. Great fabric combination--love the idea of using the pillow sham. Can't wait to see the pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Your bag turned out so cute! I love bags so I would love to win Rae's pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  48. hooray for an adorable bag! would love the pattern!

    amy (dot) edwards (at) mac (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I really like the size of this bag. It's really cute.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Cute bag! So true about what you carry around is 95% for your toddler and 5% for you.

    ReplyDelete
  51. My bag is full of cheerios and a few matchbox cars :)

    LOVE this bag!! And love the cheery fabric you used!

    R Ellinger @ yahoo com

    Rosie

    ReplyDelete
  52. My only bag just broke, and I so need to make a new one. This one would be perfect! Lovely job!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. What a gorgeous bag! I love your color combination. Thanks for a chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Very lovely and I like how you put your creative tweak on it so you could use fabrics you love. I wouldn't have thought to do that. I am starting to make Christmas presents for my family and think this bag would be much appreciated by my sister in laws! Or maybe I'd keep it for myself... I too need one big enough for my baby and toddler items and wallet!

    ReplyDelete
  55. I have some gorgeous AMH home dec just waiting to be used for a bag. This one would be perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  56. It's so pretty! I have bags on my list of things to make for Christmas...after I finish all the quilts. *cough* it's possible *cough*

    ReplyDelete
  57. Great bag!
    I'd love to win a copy of Rae's pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Oooo count me in! I love your version and the fabrics you've chosen.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Great looking bag! I hope to try out the pattern soon.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Love. LOVE. I love your version and I love her chevron version. Can't wait for the pattern to come out.

    ReplyDelete
  61. So cute -- love Rae's pattern (what a great shape!) and your interpretation of it.

    ReplyDelete
  62. wow an hour or two really? This is so pretty. i love the chevron fabric.

    ReplyDelete
  63. I'd love to win the pattern. The bag looks gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  64. i just discovered your blog, it's lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Very cute, I love her patterns. Your fabric choices are impeccable, love them.

    brightside.hill (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. The version you made is super cute! I'm so with you on the 95% of bag stuff for your toddler -- I have an enormous bag and it's always full! :D

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  67. I love your fabric choices! Great bag.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Adorable Show Off bag! Great fabric choices. Thanks for the chance to win the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  69. WANT want want it! Need it! Would LOVE to win it (but you know I'll just go buy one if I don't win). Thanks for the give away!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Such a cute bag! I could really use a pattern like this to make a few for myself and friends. I'm overdue for a new bag.

    ReplyDelete
  71. This bag is gorgeous!! And roomy too, as anyone with kids needs!
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  72. the bag is adorable! i would love to win the pattern!
    kcernick at netscape dot net

    ReplyDelete
  73. What a gorgeous bag! And I totally wouldn't have noticed the piecing if you hadn't mentioned it
    :-) I've been salivating over the bags Rae made on her blog and I would just die if I won the pattern. I would love to have a bash at making on for myself. Thank you for the generous giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I love your version of the bag. Totally makes me want to make one...so that free pattern would really come in handy!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Ooh...I LOVE it!!! I'd love the pattern!!

    ReplyDelete
  76. My little girl collects rocks and 'train tickets' roominess is definatly important. Your choice of colours are beautiful. So cheerful.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I would love this pattern. I love your review, by your standards I was ready for a new bag a while ago, and a new car. I am still using the bag that enfamil gave me in the hospital, I need a style upgrade.

    Saraklavan at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. Great fabrics! I have to agree, the best solution for cracker crumbs is sewing a new bag. :)

    ReplyDelete
  79. It's VERY cute!

    sarahrbeattie (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  80. What a cute bag, I would love a pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I love this bag! I would love to win this :o)

    nelia87(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  82. What an adorable bag! I love the Rae's chevron one, too.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

    m_miller81(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  83. A girl can never have too many bags :-)

    ReplyDelete
  84. I LOVE the colors and patterns that you used, especially that small chevron print on top. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  85. What a beautiful bag!!! I would love to win it! thanks for the giveaway
    natyeb85(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  86. Your bag is fabulous! I would love to make this for my mom for Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  87. not sure if I commented on this or not...I don't see it if I did, but I could be crazy. Either way, LOVE the bag!

    ReplyDelete
  88. I love the shape of this bag! Your version is great, very cute fabric choice!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Awesome bag!!!!! Just perfect! Love it! I'd love to win this pattern :))

    ReplyDelete
  90. Beautiful bag! I headed over here after reading Made by Rae's blog for the first time!

    sunberryann@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I would love to have such a bag :)

    ReplyDelete
  92. Love this bag - I now have bag envy. :)

    ReplyDelete
  93. Super cute, love the idea of re-purposing a pillow sham.

    ReplyDelete
  94. I would love to sew up one of these bags! My toddler has just about taken over my bag and I'm in need of a new, bigger one to replace the diaper bag.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Awesome pattern rae! Love your fabric choice! Definately know what you mean about finding " kids treasures" in your purse; )

    ReplyDelete
  96. What a great blog! I'm so happy I followed the link from "Made By Rae." Would love a chance to win the pattern and make something for myself! I'm trapped beneath oodles of tulle...

    ReplyDelete
  97. This is a nice bag pattern; thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Love the sham upcycling! Great bag, so many possibilities!

    ReplyDelete
  99. lovely bag!
    i would love to make my own version!!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Love the bag! So cute and such a perfect size and shape. Love!!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Oooh, so pretty. Thanks for the chance to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  102. love your fabric choices!

    tracyannhong[at}gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  103. Love the bag and your choice of fabrics. Wouldn't this bag be perfect made with a heavy wool and embellished with all those wonderful flowers crafters are creating? I have a few of Rae's patterns which of course I love. I would like to have this one too!!

    ReplyDelete
  104. I usually don't follow patterns when I make a bag but I fell in love with this one right away. I hope I get to try it someday.

    ReplyDelete
  105. Cute fabrics! I am in between purses and need to sew something up.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Love, love, love it. I have been dreaming of making myself a new bag for a while now and I think that this in the one!

    ReplyDelete
  107. Such a great bag!!! thanks for the chance! :)

    ReplyDelete
  108. Oooh, thanks for the chance to win! I love the fabric choices for the bag you made.
    LauraL444 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. great bag!! (also i had to look twice, even after you mentioned the straps, to see where you pieced them... so don't worry!)

    ReplyDelete
  110. What a beautiful bag! I love it when bags you can make yourself look like you just bought them in a store :-). This would be a bag I'd love to make! Thanks for the give away!

    ReplyDelete
  111. Love this bag! Your fabric choices are yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Oh, nice bag. Cute blog, as well - my first time coming here. I'd love to give another one of Rae's patterns a whirl. I've made about 7 B3P's and the pattern is awesome!
    sarah AT vraeden DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  113. LOVE this bag! Would love to win! Thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  114. I would LOVE this pattern. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  115. If I don't win this giveaway, I'll probably buy the pattern! So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  116. That's such a cute bag! The great thing about it is that you could make so many different looks, just by changing the fabric! I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  117. This is a lovely bag!! I'd love to give it a try. It was good to see you and all the ladies at the MQG last night.

    ReplyDelete
  118. I'm dying to try my hand at a bag. I wear a lot of black for work, & have great ideas of how to make this work appropriate, but stylish!

    ReplyDelete
  119. love it! looks deep and big enough for carrying all the kids stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  120. I've never made a bag, but think now might be a good time to start. Looks great. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  121. Oh I need an easy bag pattern.... been working on a purse for weeks now because it has so many confusing pieces. This one is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  122. Oh wow! That is so awesome!!

    ecshepard (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  123. Is a really Fantastic pattern and i love your fabric choises, really cute

    Lapetitamarieta@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  124. It's a darling bag, and the roominess appeals to this grandmother, who also occasionally find she needs to carry around extra wet-wipes, tissues, snacks, and of course a camera! Thanks for this giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  125. Great bag! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  126. I am a first time mom and I can see how this bag pattern will come in very handy. So many things to carry along with our little guy. scatteredskittles @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  127. I would love a purse pattern!

    alissaschade (at) hotmail (dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  128. Super cute bag! Love the contrast -- thought the straps and top was a suit in a former life!

    Thanks for hosting a terrific give-a-way!!

    ReplyDelete
  129. That is such a cute bag!!!
    aesprouse at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  130. What a cute bag! I will keep my fingers crossed!!

    ReplyDelete
  131. Super cute! I have 3 small kids so I think I may have even surpassed the 95% level! I just found your blog and I look forward to going through you older posts too.

    ReplyDelete
  132. Love it!! That bag is great! And I'm jealous of the deal you got af Linens n Things!

    ReplyDelete
  133. Love love love your fabric choices for this great bag. I've been watching Rae show it off... can't wait to try it out!!!

    ReplyDelete
  134. Wow, that is really cute. Love your fabric choices and it's a bag that has real personality. Thanks for the give away chance. To be honest, if I don't win, I know I'll end up buying the pattern anyway. Too cute.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Yay for new bags! I love this!
    Amy
    ajh15@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  136. Great bag, Rae's patterns are great. I think I have just the right fabric to make it.
    kathbritt@bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
  137. I'd love to win hihihihi.... saroto@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. I would love to make one of these...I love making bags/pouches because it get quicker to the completion, which to a new sewer is good because it's beginning to increase my sewing confidence!

    ReplyDelete
  139. I love that bag! The fabrics you chose are great!

    ReplyDelete
  140. Love your choice of fabrics, and Rae's bags are just perfect..would love to make this one too!

    ReplyDelete
  141. Ack! Want want want! Nice fabric choice!

    kathleenpoling (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

    ReplyDelete
  142. Lovely bag! And what a great idea to use interfacing to add weight to your fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  143. Fabulous bag - would love to make for myself. thanks for the chance of winning the pattern :0)

    ReplyDelete
  144. I love the fabrics you chose... this bag looks great. I've got a couple of Rae's patterns already and love them, so can't wait to get this one. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  145. Great bag - and I love your fabric picks! CUTE!

    ReplyDelete
  146. I'm always looking for great purse patterns. I made the "Buttercup Bag" by Made by Rae and really like how it went together! I'd love to get this pattern.

    ReplyDelete